925 13th Street, NW courtesy DuHon-Photography
From a press release:
“Planet Word, the nation’s only interactive museum of words and language, will host Enchanted Pages Community Day, a day of free activities for people of all ages, on Saturday, November 18. The festivities mark the expansion of the Schwarzman Family Library, Planet Word’s one-of-a-kind, interactive gallery space that brings beloved books to life. A schedule of events and information about how to reserve free, timed admission, may be found below or ONLINE HERE.
“Planet Word’s 30 interactive galleries and stations celebrate all facets of words and language, but our Library holds a special place in visitors’ hearts. Here, book lovers have a chance to rediscover some of their favorite stories, characters and authors in new ways. We are thrilled to celebrate the addition of 25 new titles and authors to the Library — that’s 25 more chances to spotlight books and authors who tell important stories,” said Ann Friedman, founder and CEO of Planet Word.
A day of creation
Throughout the day, visitors can explore all three floors of the museum, and participate in specially curated, book-themed activities, including DIY bookmaking, a performance by award-winning teaching artist and children’s entertainer Culture Queen, and live art by Chalk R!ot.
A day of connection
Visitors will have the opportunity to meet some of the authors whose titles are newly featured in the Library, including: Read More
photo by Pablo Raw
From the National Gallery of Art:
“The beloved winter tradition returns! The 2023–2024 Sculpture Garden Ice Rink season will run from Monday, November 20, through March 3, 2024 (weather permitting).
Managed by Guest Services, Inc., the ice rink invites visitors to skate among the museums on the National Mall. Skaters will be surrounded by monumental sculptures from modern and contemporary artists including Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Tony Smith, Roy Lichtenstein, and Roxy Paine.
To celebrate the start of the skating season, the ice rink will host figure skaters from Team USA for pop-up performances at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. on opening day, November 20.
Ice Rink Hours and Fees Read More
“Collection galleries at the National Museum of Women in the Arts; Photo by Jennifer Hughes, courtesy of NMWA”
From a press release:
“The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA)—the world’s first major museum solely dedicated to championing women artists—reopens on October 21, 2023, after a two-year renovation, revealing a transformed building, powerful exhibitions and engaging public programs. NMWA reimagined its historic home at 1250 New York Avenue in Washington, D.C., to offer flexible exhibition spaces for immersive exhibitions, a versatile studio/classroom area and improved accessibility for visitors. To celebrate the grand reopening weekend on Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22, 2023, NMWA will host special festivities on Saturday and offer free admission all weekend. Read More
courtesy National Building Museum
From the National Building Museum:
“The Big Build
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 10 am to 4 pm
National Building Museum 401 F Street, NW
Children and adults will learn side-by-side with roofers, plumbers, designers, artisans, and more in this FREE, hands-on festival celebrating the world we design and build. Kids of all ages will explore a wide variety of unique, interactive activities from professions including plumbing, home remodeling, construction, woodworking, and many more. Read More
photo by Ron Cohn
From DM:
“The Kreeger Museum’s annual Open House is Saturday, October 7th from 10am-3pm. It’s a free, family-friendly event with live jazz music, art-making activities, and food trucks selling lunch and dessert.
Free parking is available at The Field School, located next door at 2301 Foxhall Road NW.”
photo by Emma K Alexandra
From the Smithsonian’s National Zoo:
“In the event of a government shutdown on Oct. 1, Smithsonian museums, research centers and the Zoo will remain OPEN through at least Oct. 7. The Smithsonian can use prior-year funds still available to us to remain open. Visit here for updates.”
Fourth and Independence Avenue, SW
Mitsitam Cafe has often been cited here as best museum cafe on the Mall.
From the National Museum of the American Indian:
“The Mitsitam Cafe at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will close for renovations Tuesday, Sept. 5. The cafe, which is in the museum’s Washington, D.C., location, will remain closed through late spring 2024. Mitsitam means “Let’s eat!” in the Native language of the Delaware and Piscataway peoples.
“The East Building will come alive during National Gallery Nights programs on September 14, October 12, and November 9. National Gallery of Art, Washington”
From the National Gallery of Art:
“National Gallery Nights, our popular after-hours program, returns to the East Building from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays, September 14, October 12, and November 9.
This season, visitors will find their favorite National Gallery Nights activities—music, live performances, artmaking, and pop-up talks—centering the themes of a block party, Halloween, and the exhibition The Land Carries our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans. Light fare; gelato; and beverages such as beer, wine, and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the East Building, in the Terrace Café and Espresso & Gelato Bar, and on the 4th Street Plaza. As with all National Gallery programs, the events are free. Read More
“Paul Cézanne, Mont Sainte-Victoire, 1886-1987, Oil on canvas, 23.5 x 28.5 in. (59.6 x 72.3), Acquired 1925, The Phillips Collection”
From a press release:
“The Phillips Collection has been awarded Bank of America’s 2023 Art Conservation Project Grant for the conservation of two paintings by the influential French artist Paul Cézanne (1839-1906). Seminal to the permanent collection of America’s first museum of modern art, Cézanne’s Mont Sainte-Victoire (1886-1887) and Self-Portrait (1878-1880)—which are in constant demand for exhibitions and loans—are receiving extensive treatment for the first time in forty-five years. Their conservation will transform the appearance of the two compositions, revealing their strength currently obscured by deteriorated varnishes, while also affording scholars the opportunity to examine the artist’s process in the process. Read More
courtesy National Building Museum
From a press release:
“The National Building Museum is thrilled to present its highly anticipated seventh Summer Block Party installation LOOK HERE by artist and architect Suchi Reddy, founder and principal of Reddymade Architecture & Design in New York. The installation will open to the public on Saturday, July 1 and will be on display through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. The Museum is open every Thursday through Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. Read More
